It also helps that Tucci’s style – dry humour mixed with an enthusiastic amateur’s knowledge – never tips over into the gushing clichés that blight so many foodie shows. It’s a crowded field, but Tucci’s culinary explorations feel driven by authentic passion (and an ability to neck whatever bit of dead animal gets artistically presented to him) with appropriate gusto. Vegans and vegetarians best steer clear.
The format here does not stray too far from Tucci’s previous forays into Italian cuisine. Each episode tours a selected region, sees our host seek out local chefs, restaurateurs and home cooks – kudos to the researchers, the stories featured feel fresh, not the usual reheated leftovers – but if a format ain’t broke, then it’s wise not to fix it.
One key ingredient is the light seasoning of political and historical detail that gives the food-envy a necessary break. In Trentino, there were tales of wartime persecution of German speakers, in Tuscany, hearing of the difficulties faced by gay parents was not only informative but also illustrated that confirmed Italophile Tucci was not viewing his beloved adopted land through rosé-coloured glasses.
Dining and Cooking